RAF Marham stealth jets to police Nato skies

Four stealth fighter jets are being sent to Iceland, marking the first time British F-35B Lightning aircraft have policed Nato skies.

The mission began this week and involves RAF pilots from 617 Squadron, based at RAF Marham in Norfolk, patrolling the Nato Arctic region, the Ministry of Defence said.

The deployment is part of Nato's permanent peacetime air policing mission, for which fighter aircraft and crews maintain a continuous presence and stand ready to react to possible airspace violations.

Group Captain John Butcher, Lightning Force Commander, said: "This will be the first time that the Lightning Force has deployed to contribute to Nato air policing, and will no doubt once again prove the flexibility that this platform offers as it demonstrates its capability to operate from both a land and maritime environment."

The F-35B Lightning aircraft are equipped with advanced sensors and stealth technology that means enemy radar systems cannot easily detect them.

The move comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed his commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP at the Nato summit in Washington last month.

Sir Keir has also launched a defence review which he said aimed to protect the UK from a "more dangerous and volatile world".

Armed forces minister Luke Pollard said: "The UK is unshakeable in its commitment to Nato.

"With threats increasing and growing Russian aggression, it is vital that we stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies.

"This latest air policing mission in Iceland displays the UK's ability to operate and deter our adversaries across the alliance's airspace."

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